Santa Clara County Cooperative Extension

Welcome

University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) is the local link that connects Santa Clara County residents directly to the powerful research, expertise, and information of the UC system. Our local programs deliver science-based solutions and outreach—powered by dedicated volunteers—to address critical local issues in agriculture, natural resources, youth development, and family health.

UCCE Impact in Action 

The work of UC Cooperative Extension in Santa Clara County is guided by the University of California's commitment to improving the lives of all residents, focused on creating: Healthy Food Systems, Healthy Environments, Healthy Communities, and Healthy Californians.

Featured Story

Santa Clara County to Launch New Agricultural Outreach Campaign

UC Cooperative Extension Santa Clara County is excited to announce the development of a comprehensive Agricultural Outreach and Awareness Campaign designed to elevate the visibility, value, and resilience of Santa Clara Valley agriculture. This initiative represents a significant step forward in implementing the goals outlined in the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan while advancing UC Agriculture and Natural Resources' mission to enrich California communities through research-based knowledge and engagement.

The campaign will celebrate the region's farmers and ranchers, highlighting their economic, environmental, and cultural importance to our community. Through strategic messaging and compelling storytelling, we aim to inspire public support for farmland preservation and strengthen local food systems across the county.

Agricultural Liaison Julie Morris has been working with the team at Waltz Creative to developed innovative campaign concepts that reframe agriculture's role in Silicon Valley. The campaign will tap into the region’s ties to Silicon Valley and its deep roots in agriculture.

An Educational Outreach campaign in Santa Clara County will feature stories of farmworkers and convey the many values a thriving agricultural community offers

“We wanted to capture the energy and vibrancy of start-up culture, while honoring the wisdom and history of Santa Clara Valley’s agricultural community,” Morris said. 

The "Silicon Valley's Original Startup" theme draws powerful parallels between agriculture and the region's tech identity, presenting farms as the valley's most resilient and longest-running enterprise—one that delivers sustained growth, measurable climate returns, and proven community benefits year after year.

This campaign directly supports the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan's objectives to preserve agricultural land, support farmer viability, and strengthen connections between urban and rural communities. It also aligns with UC ANR's strategic initiatives to address climate change, promote sustainable food systems, and build healthy communities through science-based education and outreach.

Depending on our finalizes budget and donation, the campaign hopes to include multilingual materials (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin) to authentically represent our county's small, diverse, and immigrant-led farms. Deliverables will span social media content, video storytelling, farmer profiles, a campaign microsite, and billboard designs along major routes such as Highway 101.

For more information about UC Cooperative Extension's agricultural programs in Santa Clara County or to donate to our campaign, please contact Agricultural Liaison Julie Morris at jfmorris@ucanr.edu 

Our Program Impact Areas

Explore a sampling of our specialized community initiatives where our advisors and dedicated volunteers are actively making a difference in the county and region. 

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Promoting Sustainable Home Landscapes

Santa Clara County Master Gardeners are knowledgeable volunteers who have completed extensive training in home horticulture to serve as primary extenders of University of California information. We empower home gardeners with research-based knowledge to help their gardens thrive. Explore more at our Master Gardeners program page.

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Diverting Organic Waste

This community-based, volunteer-driven program utilizes trained Master Composters to educate Santa Clara County residents on diverting household organic waste. We provide free classes, school visits, and community events to teach backyard and worm composting. Learn about our Composting Education program.

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Supporting Economic Viability

Focused on the challenges and opportunities of California's small-scale farm operators, this program develops field and marketing research aimed at meeting the needs of small and moderate-scale farmers. We provide information and technical assistance often not reached by traditional extension programs. Explore more at our Small Farm Program page.